Even through the contented and joyful haze from the sap, there's an ache in Ben's chest, hearing Cole mention how the human Cole was mistreated. He still only knows fragments, but every impression he's gotten is that the human Cole's life was miserable - and this Cole carries all that. The memories and the pain that comes with them. Ben's breath catches when Cole says his father's name, places the blame firmly on him, so simply. As if there were no question about it. That, too, is a work in progress. Accepting that he is not a monster means looking back and knowing he didn't somehow deserve the worst things that had been done to him. That he hadn't caused or provoked them by being inherently evil.

Ben lets out a slow breath, and gives a single nod. Acknowledging Cole's words, but then letting the subject go. Part of that healing has to be choosing when he wants to dwell on such matters, and when he wants to let himself think about the dappled sunlight moving over him and Cole as they lay on the grass, and the way the air is starting to smell sweet from all the sap, and the way that, right now, he feels safe.

It's clear Cole has heard of the story if not read it, but Ben splutters in surprise at the last bit:

"You met someone who what?!"

He sounds shocked and delighted at this strange piece of gossip.

"I didn't know this was based on a real person? I thought it was just some big metaphor - you're saying there was really some guy like this, and you knew somebody who knew him?"

If it were anybody else Ben would so think he was being pranked right now, but Cole doesn't really do pranks, or lies.